Physicochemical tools (Thermodynamics, Quantum Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Kinetics) will be applied to the study of environmental compartments. In a first part, the processes in the atmosphere are studied, an optimal system that will enable the acquisition of the main physicochemical bases and the posterior extrapolation to other media. In each process, the associated problem of air pollution will also be studied: photochemical smog, acid rain, climate change and the decrease in the ozone layer. In a second part, the terrestrial systems, hydrosphere and lithosphere are treated together, studying the cycles of chemical entities in the hydrosphere and in the lithosphere, as well as the behavior and destination of pollutants according to their physicochemical characteristics. Finally, the influence of pollution on the biosphere will be considered.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCES

C1.- Develop the tools of Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics-Spectroscopy and Kinetics) in their application to the environment: behavior of pollutants in the different compartments.

C2.- Analyze and synthesize the way to apply the tools to solve problems of chemical atmospheric contamination and terrestrial systems.

C3.- Seminar/Project.

C4.- Work as a team in the development of C3.

C5.- Develop awareness to contamination problems.



CROSS COMPETENCES:

Recognize which are the operating guidelines in a work team with the aim to tackle innovative projects in multidisciplinary environments.

To be able to explain, orally and written, in an understandable way phenomena and processes related to environmental chemistry, in basque and / or spanish and english.

Use information and knowledge to train in new existing or emerging fields related to Chemistry.

I. Chemistry of the Atmosphere.

1. The atmosphere.

2. Air pollutants.

3. Photochemical properties of the tropospheric components.

4. Photochemical reactions in the troposphere: Photochemical Smog.

5. Transport of pollutants between phases.

6. Tropospheric aerosols.

7. Acid formation: Acid rain.

8. Greenhouse effect: Climate change.

9. Stratospheric chemistry: Decrease in the ozone layer.



II. Chemistry of Earth Systems.

10. Terrestrial systems: hydrosphere and lithosphere. Behavior and destination of pollutants in terrestrial systems.

Teaching Modality Proposal: Main Tasks:

C1-C2.- Expository classes (Program): Follow-up with questions and diagrams of the topics and / or exam.

C3 and C4.- Seminar / project: on a topic related to pollution.

C5.- Participation in group work, round tables, forums, class etc.

A field trip is proposed among several options: the Zabalgarbi incinerator, a thermal power plant, waste separation power plant (Amorebieta).

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Individual works (%): 60
  • Team projects (problem solving, project design)) (%): 25
  • Exhibition of works, readings ... (%): 15

The waiver to the continuous assessment may be presented in writing to the teacher, within 9 weeks after the start of the course, in accordance with the regulations of 13th.March.2017.

Students who gave up on continuous assessment must take the final assessment system. This final test will consist of two parts: a written exam and, if the grade exceeds 4 points, an oral test.

- It is necessary to obtain a minimum of 5 points out of 10 to pass the course.

- Failure to present the fixed test supposes the waiver of the call.

The evaluation system of the extraordinary call will be similar to that of the final evaluation proposed in the ordinary call. A failure to appear to the final evaluation will automatically entail the renounce of the call.

Available on the website e-Gela.

Basic bibliography

J.E. Figueruelo y M. Marino Dávila: Química Física del Medio Ambiente. (Ed. Reverté, 2001 ó 2004).

X. Doménech y J. Peral: Química Ambiental de sistemas terrestres (Ed. Reverté, 2006).

X. Doménech: ¿Química de la Contaminación¿, Ed. Miraguano, 1999 )

C. Baird: Química Ambiental .Ed. Reverté, 2001. )

In-depth bibliography

T:G: Spiro y W.M. Stigliani: Química Medioambiental (Pearson, Prentice Hall, 2003).
S Manahan: Environemental Chemistry (CRC Press, 1994).
J. Seinfeld y S. Pandis: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physycs(Wiley, 1998).
B. Finlayson-Pitts y J. Pitts: Chemistry of the Upper and Lower Atmosphere (Academic Press, 2000

Journals

Journal of Chemical Education
Environment Science &Technology
Medio Ambiente (Generalitat, Catalunya)
Ecologista

Web addresses

http://eippcb.jrc.es
http://acs.environmental.duq.edu/acsenv/envchem.htm
http://jwocky.gsfc.nasa.gov/
www.nbs.ac.uk/public/icd
www.epa.gov/airs/enved/trends/atm-10f.htm
www.sej.org/env_airp.htmwww.unfccc.de
www.globalchange.org/dgsample/samplei.htm
http://www.eia.doe.gov/aer